Artists display outdoor inspired art at Cabela's

By
Shea Singley, The Hamburg Area Item

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Gallery of Hamburg held its annual Spring Art Show Celebrating the Great Outdoors in the deer exhibit at Cabela’s in Tilden Township this past weekend March 15 and 16. During the day shoppers and art enthusiasts were able to travel around the exhibit and see pieces of art in all forms and with all types of materials inspired by and depicting the great outdoors while in the retail store.

For those who had attended previous outdoor art shows there were some familiar faces and quite a few new artists who were displaying their work for the public.

Regulars Dan Christ (who is celebrating his 36th year as a full-time wildlife artist) Kathy Miller (award-winning nature photographer and author of “Chippy Chipmunk”), Kenneth Liskey (multiple award winner who enjoys sharing his painting with everyone) and Roger Anderson (who creates woodturnings out of many different kinds of wood) were at the show with their latest works and some favorites as well that were for sale.

Joining them was Elaine Hillbert, an art teacher at Fleetwood High School. Hillbert considers her passions to be painting musical sets and jewelry making. Her company Lane E Creations was founded in 2010 and she showed and sold eco-friendly jewelry made of re-purposed and recycled materials.

Gail Savage has inspiration just outside her studio windows at her home and studio as they sit on 24 acres of undisturbed land in the heart of the Blue Mountains. All her life she has enjoyed painting and drawing birds and animals. Along with showing and selling nature art in watercolor and colored pencil, she also had wildlife art on feathers.

Jen Painter displayed earthenware pottery that was draped, poured or thrown with a variety of designs including PA Dutch designs. Having worked under the late Lester P. Breininger for more than 17 years, she continues that technique. When creating her work, she adds lots of color and a whimsical touch. She also gives special attention to detail to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

In his first appearance at the Outdoor Art Show, Michael O’Toole displayed and sold samplings of his work. His photography included unique shots of nature, wildlife and animals.

For those looking for animals made from a different material, there was Levan Stone Art. This one-of-a-kind stone art included a dragon-fly and turtle as well as animal paw prints and a snowman all made out of stone and ready for display.

Though landscape architecture and garden design are Pirjo L’Esperance’s profession, her love of animals and nature pushed her to create unique ceramics that have a whimsical undertone inspired by the natural environment. She displayed handcrafted plates, cups, framed tiles and ceramic garden sculptures.

All of the artists had the opportunity to not only display and sell their hard work, but to also talk to art enthusiasts and others with a love of the outdoors.

The Gallery of Hamburg contains samplings of a variety of art work from members. It was first opened in 2006. For more information on the gallery visit www.hamburgpa.org or call the alliance at 610-562-3106.